"Contemplation" (2022)
Oil on canvas, 24×36 inches
"The Musician" (2021)
Oil on canvas, 30×40 inches
"Elder Wisdom" (2023)
Oil on canvas, 20×30 inches
"The Thinker" (2020)
Oil on canvas, 18×24 inches
"Fashion Portrait" (2021)
Oil on canvas, 16×20 inches
"Ballerina Study" (2022)
Oil on canvas, 12×16 inches
Artist Biography
Sophia Chen is a contemporary portrait artist based in New York City, renowned for her ability to capture the essence and emotion of her subjects through masterful oil paintings. Born in Taipei in 1985, Sophia moved to the United States at age 10, where she developed a passion for art that would shape her life's work.
After graduating with honors from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2007, Sophia spent two years studying traditional portrait techniques in Florence, Italy. This European sojourn deeply influenced her artistic style, blending classical realism with modern sensibility.
Artistic Philosophy
"I believe every face tells a story. My work isn't just about creating a likeness—it's about revealing the inner life of my subjects. The play of light on skin, the subtle tension in a jawline, the quiet intensity in the eyes—these are the elements that transform pigment on canvas into a living presence."
Exhibitions & Recognition
- 2023 - Solo Exhibition: "Faces of Resilience", Metropolitan Gallery, New York
- 2022 - Featured Artist, Art Basel Miami
- 2021 - Portrait Award, National Portrait Gallery (Finalist)
- 2020 - Group Show: "Contemporary Realism", Saatchi Gallery, London
- 2019 - Artist in Residence, Palazzo Monti, Brescia, Italy
Artist Details
Education
Rhode Island School of Design (BFA 2007)
Florence Academy of Art (2007-2009)
Years Active
2009 - Present
Studio Location
Brooklyn Art Studios
45 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Represented By
Metropolitan Gallery, New York
Contemporary Visions, London
Collections
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - 1 work
Whitney Museum - 2 works
Private collections worldwide
Artistic Skills
Materials & Techniques
Services Offered
Commissioned Portraits
Custom oil portraits from photographs or live sittings. Perfect for family portraits, memorials, or professional images.
Pet Portraits
Lifelike oil paintings of your beloved pets, capturing their unique personality and character.
Wedding Portraits
Commemorate your special day with a beautiful painted portrait of the couple in wedding attire.
Corporate Commissions
Executive portraits for boardrooms, offices, or professional recognition. Includes consultation on setting and attire.
Headshot Portrait
Bust portrait (head and shoulders)
- Up to 16×20 inches
- 1-2 subjects
- 3 rounds of revisions
- 4-6 week completion
- Digital proof
Half-Body Portrait
Portrait from waist up with background elements
- Up to 24×36 inches
- 1-2 subjects
- Simple background included
- 5 rounds of revisions
- 6-8 week completion
- Digital + printed proof
Full-Body Portrait
Full figure with detailed background
- Up to 30×48 inches
- 1-2 subjects
- Detailed background included